Key facts
- Hong Kong's LCSD awarded a HK$122 million contract for lifeguard and first aid services.
- Spotlight Enterprises, a company previously found to have staffing issues, won the bid.
- The new three-year contract is about 8% more expensive than the previous one.
- The LCSD stated that market labor shortages necessitate competitive pay for lifeguards.
- Lawmakers and unions expressed concerns about public fund utilization and the contract's value.
Hong Kong authorities have awarded a HK$122 million (US$15.6 million) contract for lifeguard and first aid services at six public swimming pools to Spotlight Enterprises, a company that had previously been found to have staffing deficiencies. The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers and unions concerned about the prudent use of public funds.
The contract, which commenced on August 1, 2026, spans three years and represents an approximately 8% increase in cost compared to the previous contract, amounting to about HK$41 million annually. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) defended the award, stating that market labor shortages necessitate competitive compensation packages to attract and retain lifeguards, ensuring the continuous operation of swimming pool facilities.
Concerns have been amplified by the fact that the new contract's annual cost is significantly higher than the monthly salary of civil servant senior lifeguards, who earn a maximum of HK$26,590 per month, while the outsourced positions are budgeted at over HK$50,000 per month per duty post. The Hong Kong & Kowloon Lifeguards' Union argued that the year-round outsourcing model deviates from its original purpose of addressing seasonal peak demand and may lead to the replacement of civil servant lifeguards.
Legislative Council member Adrian Ho suggested that a lack of promotion opportunities and benefits for lifeguards contributes to the manpower crunch, urging the government to consider offering career advancement paths. Another lawmaker, Chan Hok-fung, emphasized that while contract costs may rise due to inflation and the need for reserve staff, the LCSD must rigorously supervise contractors to ensure adequate staffing and safety standards are met.